Disputes over hydropower projects on the Drina River

Elektroprivreda RS and Elektroprivreda Srbije have formed a joint venture for the realization of the Hydropower System “Gornja Drina”, which envisages the construction of three hydropower plants in the upper basin of the Drina River – Buk Bijela, Foca and Paunci. Elektroprivreda srbije has a 51 percent share in that company, and Elektroprivreda RS 49 percent.

BiH Presidency Member Bakir Izetbegovic said in an interview with BHRT that he opposes the project of the Hydropower System “Gornja Drina” and that, if nothing else, he will try to challenge it through the Constitutional Court. Izetbegovic also criticized Serbia in this case and President Aleksandar Vucic, since the state of BiH, in whose jurisdiction the water treasure of BiH is, was not consulted.

The Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH also reacted to the opposition to this project, welcoming the signing of the joint statement of RS and Serbia on the realization of the project.

“Negative reactions of a part of the political public in the Federation of BiH, as well as attempts to obstruct the strategic project of the Gornja Drina Hydropower System are a product of nervousness due to the progress and strengthening of the energy sector of Republika Srpska and cooperation with Serbia. “There is no objective reason to challenge the project that is being implemented for the benefit of citizens, local communities, Republika Srpska and our region, nor are there constitutional and legal obstacles to its implementation,” said Minister Kosarac.

Kosarac stated that the institutions of the Republika Srpska undertook activities on the implementation of this project in accordance with the constitutional and legal competencies, without violating or deviating from the competencies of institutions at the level of BiH, including the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH.

Indikator.ba

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